Ever wonder what the folks who run Dying Scene have been listening to lately? We’re going to pretend you said “yes” to that question and feature a curated playlist from a different DS editor each week with the intent of exposing you to some new kickass punk bands. This week we’re featuring Dying Scene feature writer, Rob Lanterman.

1. We Are The Union – The Dreams That You Forgot
– We Are The Union were one of those bands that made an immediate impression on me as a teenager. They were just so fast and so catchy – a band that pulled off the Lifetime-influence thing really well… and then added ska to it. While I miss the horns in these new songs, it’s good to see they’re back and releasing new music. Here’s some ska to kick off your week with.

2. Not Half Bad – Three Things That Aren’t Jackie Chan
– This is a newly discovered band on my part that plays some really good poppy punk, pretty reminiscent to me of Banner Pilot or Spraynard. Unfortunately, they recently had their van broken into. If you want to donate to helping them get back on their feet, check out their indiegogo campaign to help out.

3. Good Riddance – Dry Season
– Because Good Riddance is back and this song is fantastic. I’m a big fan of Russ Rankin as a writer and Good Riddance somehow has evolved enough to get better, yet maintain their level of freshness after all of these years. The end of this song gives me chills.

4. As Friends Rust – More Than Just Music, It’s a Hairstyle
– An older punk/post-hardcore band from Florida who got back together this year. Their sound changed a lot over the few years they were active, at times sounding like Samiam, Avail, and H2O all at the same time. This is one of their catchiest tunes and the last song on their Greatest Hits? album released this year.

5. The Swellers – Should
– It’s a huge bummer that The Swellers just played their last show. When people work that hard and are basically screwed by business to the point they’re forced to stop being a band, you can’t help but feel a bit sad. While it’s a bummer that the band is breaking up, listening to the Swellers will always be nostalgic in the best ways. Their brand of punk rock/pop punk was a breath of fresh air in a world of oversaturated New Found Glory rip offs. Good luck in your future endeavors, boys.

6. Frank Turner – Recovery
– Mr. Turner is a fantastic songwriter and each album of his gets just a little better. Tape Deck Heart was a masterpiece and it sounds like his new one is off to a good start as well. However, seeing as it’s not out yet, I guess I’ll just have to jam Recovery for a little while longer.

7. Million Dead – To Whom It May Concern
– Staying on the topic of Frank Turner, I thought I’d include something he did a long time ago that is still relevant today. Everyone has worked a job they hate, and Frank described this really well in this song he wrote almost a decade ago. “I’m only working here ‘cause I need the fucking money” – yeah, I’ve felt like that.

8. The Interrupters – The 11th Hour (Rancid Cover)
– I’m always weary of covers, but The Interrupters delivered this song pretty well if you ask me. They’re making a lot of buzz as of recent, so if you haven’t heard them yet, go check them out!

9. Less Than Jake – Best Wishes to Your Black Lungs
– I saw Less Than Jake on their tour with Reel Big Fish last week and it was just as fun as the first time I saw them almost a decade ago. I realized this week how timeless Anthem is for me, so I thought I’d include one of the most underrated songs from it in this little article. It still gets me as pumped up as it did when I was younger.

10. French Exit – Dominoes
– French Exit is a fantastic band that deserves way more recognition they’ve gotten in their short time as a band. They’re releasing a new song every week until they play their last show, which you can find on their bandcamp. Here’s an oldie but a goodie.

Discography:

Band Spotlight

I'm not sure if it's the vocals reminiscent of the original singer from UK punk act Drones, or very early days Davey Havok, but something about the new EP from Milwaukee hardcore act Mud Dog is really grabbing my attention. It might be the gang vocals on title track "Strike Back" or the change ups with secondary singers on a few of the songs. Or all of the above. The point is "Strike Back" is worth a listen for any hardcore punk fans, all the more so since it's up for free download on bandcamp.